22 Essential Online and Mobile Banking Precautions

1. Report a lost or stolen mobile device
Contact Mechanics Bank at 800.797.6324 immediately if your mobile device is lost or stolen so that we can disable Mobile Banking access for that device.

2. Back up your mobile device
Best practices recommend that you back up your mobile devices regularly to prevent data loss if your mobile device is broken, lost or stolen.

3. Keep a record of your mobile device
Keep a record of the brand, model and serial number of your mobile device in the event it is lost or stolen. This can assist law enforcement in recovering your device as well as assist your insurance carrier with replacement information.

4. Do not store your User ID on your mobile application
Mobile Banking applications can allow a user to save their User ID on their downloaded mobile application. Best practices state that storing your User ID on the phone can make it easier for fraudsters to access your account information if your mobile device is lost or stolen. Be mindful of any private information you store on your mobile device as these devices are easily lost or stolen, making the private information accessible to unauthorized individuals.

5. Password protect your mobile device
Setup your mobile device to require a password before allowing access to the device. This is the first layer of protection if your mobile device is lost or stolen.

Not be a commonly used word in any known language, jargon, slang, etc.

Not be based on personal information that could be known to others.

7. Change your password frequently
Best practices recommend changing your Online or Mobile Banking password at least every 90 days, and immediately if you believe your password has been compromised.

8. Do not write down passwords
Do not store passwords on electronic devices (i.e., computer or phone) or write them down on paper.

9. Do not share your Online/Mobile Banking login credentials
Do not share your User ID, Password, PIN or account number with anyone, under any circumstances. Mechanics Bank will never initiate a request for sensitive information via email, text, phone call or other means, (i.e., Social Security Number, User ID, Password, PIN or account number). If you think your login information has been compromised, please contact Mechanics Bank immediately at 800.797.6324.

10. Download mobile applications only from authorized application stores
Mechanics Bank mobile applications can be found at the Apple App Store, Google Play and other authorized application stores. Do not download applications except from these authorized locations.

12. Never leave your computer or mobile device unattended
Do not leave your computer or mobile device unattended while logged into Online or Mobile Banking. Always properly log out and exit Online or Mobile Banking when you have completed your session.

13. Disable remote connectivity
Most mobile devices are equipped with wireless technologies such as Bluetooth that can be used to connect to other devices or computers. You should disable these features when they are not in use.

14. Maintain current antivirus and other security suite software
Be sure to download all security related patches and updates to your operating system, network and antivirus applications as these updates often contain fixes to known security deficiencies.

15. Ensure your internet connection is encrypted
Do not use the local coffee shop internet connection or other public internet when accessing your banking information. These "public" internet connections could allow others access to your information. Only use sites that begin with "https://" when shopping or banking. Using your mobile network connection is generally more secure than using public wireless networks.

17. Be cautious with unsolicited emails, unverified websites and pop-up messages
Do not open unsolicited emails or click any links or attachments contained within an email message until you verify its authenticity with the sender. Do not click any links from unverified websites or downloads from unverified pop-up messages.

18. Pay attention to unusually slow response times on Online Banking sites
Unusually slow response times may indicate your connection has been diverted to a fraudulent site. Contact Mechanics Bank at 800.797.6324 to see if there is a reason for slower responses on the Bank's official Online Banking or Mobile Banking site(s).

19. Watch for unusual changes online
When you login to Online or Mobile Banking, be alert to new or unusual messages or screens. Contact the Bank immediately if anything looks suspicious.

22. Keep your contact information current
Keep your personal contact information current and on file with the Bank, and within the personal settings in Online Banking.

Additional Suggestions for Business Online Banking Users

1. Review account activity multiple times daily
At the beginning of each business day and again each evening, verify all transactions originated by your company. We recommend that you have all transactions reviewed by someone other than the person who originates them.

2. Dedicate a single computer to your online banking activities
Use a computer for your online banking activities that is not used for email or internet browsing. This can be greatly reduce your potential for online fraud due to viruses or malware.

3. Use dual controls for all activities involving financial transactions
Ensure one person prepares the transaction request and another review and approve the transaction. The secondary approver should approve all transactions from a computer other than the one that is used to originate the transaction.

4. Do not share Online Banking login credentials
Each employee authorized to use Online Banking should be assigned a unique User ID and password or token. These credentials should not be shared with other employees, including IT support staff.

5. Restrict online access times to your employees regular business hours
Restricting your employees from performing transactions outside of your normal business hours and from computers outside your company can reduce the risk of contracting computer viruses and malware that may reside on other computers.

6. Maintain control of assigned security tokens (if applicable)
Do not share security tokens between employees. Maintain a log of those employees who have access to security tokens. Always regain control of these tokens when employees leave your place of business. Contact Mechanics Bank immediately if you need to restrict access for any of your assigned security tokens. Keep assigned security token(s) on your person or in a locked or secure place at all times.

7. Review your insurance policy
Review your insurance policy to verify it contains appropriate coverage in the event you become a victim of online fraud, whether initiated by employees or outsiders, and that your computer system(s) are covered against any external attacks or fraudulent activity.

For questions or concerns related to this online/mobile security information, please contact Mechanics Bank at 800.797.6324.